new drivers handbook

8/12/2019 New Drivers Handbook

1/165


2/165

Elaborated by CONASET

Technical coordination: Marcela Lobo Barrientos

Design: Ignacio Ponce AlbornozTranslator: Brittany Judd

Assistant: Danica Mimica Porras

Photography: CONASET + Carlos Bravo + Yankovic.net

Spanish version (original): July 2012

English version: May 2014


3/165

CONTENTS

1 The Problem with Traffic Accidents- Theyre Avoidable 8- Accident Statistics in Chile 9

2 The Principles of Driving- Automobile Operation 12- Energy and the Laws of Physics 22- Elements of Passive Safety 26

3 Individuals in Traffic- Driving a vehicle is highly demanding 34- Are people prepared to meet the demands of traffic? 35- Safe Driving Requires Emotional Balance 43- Peer Pressure and Inner Strength 47- Behaviors that Imply Risk 48

- Alcohol 50- Drugs and Narcotics 54- Illnesses and Prescription Drugs 57- Exhaustion, Drowsiness and Fatigue 64- The Experienced Driver 69

4 Vulnerable Users- Pedestrians 72- Children 74- Cyclists 77- Other Vulnerable Users 78

5 Traffic Regulations

- Instructions in Traffic 80- The obligation to yield 89- Signs and Signals 89- Vehicle Location 92- Speed 10- Encounters and Overtaking 10- Parking and Stopping 11- Railway Crossings 11

6 Driving Under Special Circumstances- In the Dark 12- Loading the Vehicle 12- On Freeways 12- In adverse weather conditions 13

7 Important Information- How to behave in the case of an accident 14- Vehicle Regulations 14- Driver Responsibility 14- Traffic and the Environment 15


4/165

CONTENTS

APPENDICES

Traffic signs- Regulatory Signs 15- Warning or Danger Signs 15- Informative Signs 16- Temporary Signs 16- Markings 16


5/165

Presentation

This manual is a comprehensive guide of the traffic regulations in Chile.

It is written in an easy-to-understand format and was designed to help new drivers prepare themselves for safe dri-

ving. If you are a new driver, this book contains the information that you need to get your first license.

The laws mentioned in this book are the essential regulations included in the 2012 written exam and represent the

main traffic regulations in Chile. However, all drivers must be familiar with all traffic laws.

In order to obtain a drivers license, you must exert yourself more and will require a great deal of effort, and mostimportantly many hours of study and an understanding of the laws that regulate safe and harmonious driving.

Those who already have a license will need to consult this manual and all traffic laws regularly to ensure that their

understanding of traffic regulations is always up to date.

A solid understanding of traffic laws will help you drive more safely, given that statistics indicate that human beha-

vior is an important factor present in 90% of traffic accidents. It is important that theoretical understanding of the

correct use of our roads and highways be applied to careful and responsible driving.

Killers keep speeding up, drinking and driving, not using their seatbelts, and driving while tired.

Please take the time to learn all of the information detailed in this manual, review it regularly, and put it in practice.

Safe driving behavior is the responsibility of everyone.

NEW DRIVERS HANDBOOKPRESENTATION

Mara Francisca Yez C.Executive Secretary

National Road Safety Commission


6/165

1. THE PROBLEM WITH TRAFFIC ACCIDENTSNEW DRIVERS HANDBOOK


7/1657 National Road Safety Commission

THE PROBLEMWITH TRAFFICACCIDENTS

More than 3000 people die each day around the world as a result of traffic accidents. Traffic accidents represent the pri-

mary cause of death for young people. Due to this, international organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO)

classify the situation of traffic accidents as a worldwide public health priority.

In Chile, as in the rest of the world, traffic accidents represent one of the main causes of death, especially among people

between 15 and 29 years old, for whom accidents represent the second cause of death after suicide.

The general population is not aware of the importance of the problem of traffic accidents around the world. Nor is it

possible to quantify the number of people who, as a result of a traffic accident, are permanently disabled and nonetheless

show up in statistics just as injured. In addition, it is not possible to assign a numerical value to the suffering associated

with losing a loved one. Studies show that for each death, an average of 100 people (relatives, friends, etc.) is impacted.

In addition to the loss of human life, traffic accidents also create an enormous economic impact, which is directly or

indirectly assumed by all citizens. It is estimated that in Chile the cost of traffic accidents represents 2% of GDP, accor-

ding to data from the WHO.

If this money were invested in education, living conditions, health, or social programs, imagine the benefit that would

represent for our society. If you do the math, each citizen pays on average a little more than 6 million pesos annually

only taking into consideration the calculable costs of traffic accidents.

Have you ever considered that if a driver doesnt wear a seatbelt, a helmet, or drives while intoxicated, its not just a personaldecision? If that driver is in an accident it affects everyone, since we all pay directly or indirectly for his decision.

NEW DRIVERS HANDBOOKTHE PROBLEM WITH TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS



Damage to vehicles and their cargo.

Damage to public property.

Damage to private property.

Damage to the environment.

First aid, ambulance fees.

Medical treatment for wounds and injuries.

Rehabilitation.

Police and firefighters.

Insurance administration.

Legal costs: judges, lawyers, etc.

Loss of productivity (during treatment and rehab).

Loss of future productivity of deceased.

Physical and psychological suffering of the injured.

Physical and psychological suffering of friends and relatives.

The following table enumerates the main costs caused by accidents. It is important to remember that not all accidents

can be assigned a monetary cost.

COSTS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Material costs

Health costs

Administrative costs

Human costs

Source: Seguridad Vial para Nuevos Conductores (INTRAS, DGT, Espaa).

Theyre Avoidable

The majority of deaths caused by traffic accidents are avoidable. In order to reduce the possibility of getting in a traffic accident, youmust avoid risk factors, detailed throughout this text.

It is confirmed that calling traffic accidents accidents is a

misnomer. Accident is defined as a sudden event that is not

planned or intended and that causes damage or injury and

is associated with being unpredictable and incontrollable.

However this is not true, since traffic accidents are rarely

random or unpredictable, and can be avoided. There isinformation about where, when and why road crashes occur.

If traffic accidents were really accidental, how could we

explain why they increase when it rains? Why are there so

many deaths caused by traffic accidents during the night

when there are fewer cars on the road? Why do people who

have been drinking cause more accidents?

If a traffic accident were a sudden, unintended event, theprobability of getting in a crash would depend only on the

amount of time a person spends behind the wheel.




Also, over the last 5 years, on average 7,000 people are seriously injured in more

than 55,000 accidents.

The majority of deaths caused by traffic accidents occur on interurban

roadways, not urban zones.

Accident Statistics in Chile

Annually in Chile more than 55.000 accidents are recorded. As a consequence, approximately 1.600 people die, which

means that each day between 4 and 5 people die on the road. On average, 600 of these deaths are involving pedestrians

(1) These data are based on national police statistics from Carabineros de Chile. Deaths are counted up to 24 hours after the traffic acci-

dent has occurred.

The probability that a pedestrian dies as a result of being hit by a car increases eight-fold when the speed of the vehicle

increases from 30 to 50 km/h.

Pedestrians have a 90% chance of surviving an impact at 30 km/h or slower, but less than 50% chance of survival for a

crash at 45 km/h or more.

This means that at a speed of 65 km/h the most probable outcome of a crash involving a pedestrian will result in the loss

of the pedestrians life.

Although the majority of deaths caused by traffic accidents occur on motorways and highways outside of urban areas

the majority of accidents around 85% - occur on roadways in urban areas. Of these, themajority occur in intersec-

tions. Only 15% of accidents occur in rural (non-urban) areas.

The majority of injuriesalso occuron urban roadways, over 40,000 on average annually, however these are generally

less severe than injuries produced in freeway crashes.

Long weekends make up the periods of most frequent accidents. The most dangerous days are weekends (normal or

long), while the most dangerous time of day is during nighttime and the early hours of the morning, and these in genera

coincide with situations of lower traffic flow.

Death

Rural area Urban area

Traffic Accident




The age group with the highest accident rate is young people between 18 and 29 years of age. This group represents

approximately 25% of all driver deaths in traffic accidents in the past years.

Finally, it is important to add that close to 95% of driver deaths due to traffic accidents are males and that human erro

is present in over 90% of accidents. Consuming alcohol while driving and speeding are two of the most common factors

causing traffic accidents.

LAST 5 YEARSDriver DeathsAGE RANGE

0-17 71

18-29 760

30-39 640

40-49 607

50-59 438

60 and over 414

Age unknown 40

TOTAL 2.970



11/165

2. THE PRINCIPLES OF DRIVINGNEW DRIVERS HANDBOOK



NEW DRIVERS HANDBOOKTHE PRINCIPLES OF DRIVING

The Engine

The engine is the heart of the vehicle; it is almost always situated in the front part of the car. In the majority of cases, the

fuel used is gasoline, with the use of diesel and natural gas being less frequent.

On the instrument panel of the vehicle, the tachometer shows the number of revolutions of the engine.

The Lubrication System

An engine is comprised of many moving parts that require lubrication, which is carried out under pressure. The purpose

of oil is to diminish the friction and corrosion between the moving parts. When the engine is not being lubricated, an oi

pressure indicator light will come on in the instrument panel. If this light turns on, stop the engine immediately, and do

not start it again until the problem is fixed. If you do not do this, repairing the vehicle may become very expensive.

THE PRINCIPLES

OF DRIVING

Control the oil levels. Add more oil if the level is low. It is important to periodically change the oil and the filter, in accordance withmanufacturer recommendations.

Always use recognized oil brands. Check the oil containers seal.

The Electrical System

The electricity that a vehicle needs is produced by the alternator, which is moved using a belt in the engine. This energy

is stored in the battery. The effect of the alternator diminishes when the belt is loose. If the battery charge is insufficient

you will be alerted via a warning light or a corresponding needle on the instrument panel.

All accessories that use electricity are almost always armed with fuses to prevent fires or damage to the electrical sys-

tem. If any electrical unit stops working, check first to see if the fuse is blown or damaged.

Automobile Operation

In order to safely drive your automobile, you must maintain it in good working condition. In order to achieve this, you

need to understand how your automobile is constructed and how it operates.



If any bulbs stop working, or if the emergency light indicator flashes faster than usual, it is probable that the bulb has burn

out.

A poorly charged battery makes it difficult to start the engine, especially when the temperature is low.

If the vehicles engine does not start when turning the key, it is probable that the battery is either drained or disconnecte

CHECK

The level of battery fluid. Add distilled water if necessary.

That the alternator belt is sufficiently taught.

That the battery cables are connected correctly.

The charge light during driving. If it turns on or flashes, there may be a problem.

REMEMBER WHEN FUELING:

Turn off the engine.

Avoid inhaling gasoline fumes.

Warning! Battery acid is highly corrosive; exercise caution with your clothing and skin.

Fuel System

If while driving you detect a strong gasoline odor, stop the vehicle to investigate the origin of the problem. This will prevent risk of avehicle fire.

The fuel system is made up of a fuel tank, tubes and a pump.

Fuel is mixed with air in the carburetor or through the

injection system, and then is aspirated by the engine. These

days, the majority of engines do not have a carburetor;

instead the fuel is directly injected into the intake manifold.

Sometimes, when the engine is cold, you will have to

reduce the amount of air in the mixture so that the engine

will start. This is done using a regulator, or choke. Some

vehicles have an automatic regulator, while others, with

Frequent braking and accelerating while driving cause high fuel consumption.

injection engines, lack a choke because they are controlled

by a microprocessor.

Gasoline fumes can be carcinogenic. Avoid opening the fue

cap more than necessary; it will contaminate less.

Be sure to fill the tank with fuel each time you go the

pump. This will cause less contamination by liberating less

gas. Use the appropriate octane for your vehicles engine

(according to manufacturers regulations).

Do not light cigarettes. Do not use your cellular phone.




The Cooling System

The cooling system is designed to cool the engine in order to maintain an adequate temperature. The engine is cooled

with a coolant (distilled water and antifreeze) that circulates through lines in the engine block and into the radiator. A

high engine temperature can be caused by a blockage in the cooling system, lack of liquid, or a broken or loose waterpump belt. If the engine temperature rises, stop immediately and repair the issue.

These days the majority of vehicles have electric fans that activate when the temperature is high, especially when driving

at low speeds. If this does not occur, it could be due to a damaged fuse or a defective connection. If the vehicle tempe-

rature is rising more than normal it is probably due to a broken or damaged fan belt.

In below-freezing temperature conditions, it is important that the coolant contain a sufficient proportion of antifreeze

which will keep the engine and the radiator from becoming damaged by freezing water (ice).

The Exhaust SystemExhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous, colorless and odorless. The first symptoms of carbon mo-

noxide poisoning are headache and vomiting. Exhaust fumes also contain numerous other toxic substances, which are

dangerous to your health and the environment.

Remember that there is a high risk that the exhaust system might rust or break, which can cause carbon monoxide to

enter the vehicle interior. An abnormally loud noise emitting from the exhaust pipe is a signal of breakage or holes in the

silencer.

Remember:

Protect the environment.

Do not keep the engine running longer than necessary (modern automobiles do not need to be warmed up in order to run)

At the first sign of carbon monoxide poisoning, exit the vehicle immediately and get fresh air.

Carbon monoxide can penetrate the vehicle interior if your trunk (boot) is open.

Stop the engine during long standstills.

Be aware of changes in engine sounds.

The Transmission

The engines energy is transmitted to the traction wheels through the clutch.

There are forward drive and rear drive vehicles. There are also four-wheel drive

vehicles.


Gear box

Rear Axle

ClutchEngine



Many automobiles are equipped with power steering. This

consists of an auxiliary hydraulic device that facilitates the

control of steering.

Steering

Steering becomes misaligned faster when the vehicle is

subject to excess weight, as well as when it falls into or hits

potholes.

The misalignment of the wheels produces vibrations and

increases wear and tear on the tires. This can put the stee-

ring mechanism in jeopardy.

If you feel that steering is difficult, while driving through a

flat terrain the vehicle tends to drift to one side, or if upon

turning the wheel shakes excessively, this indicates that

there is a defect in the steering mechanism or that one of

the front wheels has low air pressure.

The Clutch

The clutch is found between the engine and the gear box. Upon pressing the clutch pedal the transmission is disconnec-

ted from the power of the engine to the gear box, therefore energy is not being channeled to the traction wheels.

The Gear Box

The gear box multiplies the force of the engine. It can have 3, 4, 5 or more gears. Each gear is used for a range of speeds

Driving in the appropriate gear for the corresponding speed saves fuel and emits fewer contaminants.

Automatic transmissions, which are more and more common, do not have a clutch pedal.

Each gear has a speed range, which varies from one vehicle to

another.

It is important to know that if you drive while pressing the clutch pedal for long periods of time, your control of the vehicle is reduced.




Suspension and Shocks or Shock Absorbers

The shock and suspension systems are responsible for constantly maintaining contact between the tires and the roadguaranteeing stability and comfort to the driver. These systems play an essential role in maintaining the vehicle on its

desired path and absorbing the irregularities present in asphalt. These systems are responsible for an important part o

active safety.

Although many drivers may not be aware of them, shocks in bad conditions can have dangerous consequences,

for example:

Given their relevance to the safety of the driver and others, it is important to learn to oversee these systems and identify

possible problems that require the attention of a mechanic. The following symptoms and signs may indicate that the

shocks are in poor condition:

It is very important to periodically check the condition of the shocks, always following the vehicle manufacturers instructions, andreplace them when they become unsafe.

The vehicle can lose stability, especially in curves, with la-

teral winds, or when driving on a wet surface (increasing therisk of aquaplaning, e.g.).

Braking or stopping distance is increased, especially on

uneven or wet roadways. If the vehicle has an ABS system, it

loses effectiveness.

Other parts of the car wear down and malfunction more fre-

quently.

Driving comfort is diminished, causing a more rapid onset o

driver fatigue.

Upon braking, the vehicle lurches forward and backward

excessively.

While driving, the vehicle rocks excessively on well-main-

tained roadways and leans excessively when taking a curve.

When applying pressure on the front portion of the vehicle,

it bounces or rocks.

While driving, any small imperfection in the road (for exam-

ple, potholes), or lateral winds are significantly noticeable.

The tires wear out unevenly.

While driving at night, the lights move or oscillate ob-

viously.




The Brakes

Check:

The brakes allow the vehicle to reduce speed or come to a

complete stop, and it is therefore important to oversee and

maintain the brakes in addition to knowing how to react in

the situation of brake failure in order to avoid an accident.

On the other hand, you must learn to use the brakes co-

rrectly in dangerous situations, like a complete emergency

stop. Also, you must keep in mind that conventional brakes

do not work the same way as an Anti-Lock Braking System

(ABS).

If in some situations you are overrun by fear or panic and

break heavily, the Anti-Lock Braking System has the ad-vantage of preventing that the wheels from locking up and

avoiding uncontrolled skidding. With this system you can

more easily maintain control of the vehicle, as long as you

are not traveling at excessive speeds.

Vehicles have two braking systems that act independently

from one another. The brake pedal is usually hydraulic and

works on all four wheels. Older vehicles have hydraulic cir-

cuit braking systems, which in the case of a breakage or

leak in the brake drum, all of the fluid is eliminated, and

with it the ability to brake on all four wheels. Modern vehi-

cles come equipped with a two-circuit braking system. This

way, if there is a rupture or failure in one of the circuits, the

braking effect can still be applied though the other circuit

The parking brake (hand

brake or emergency bra-

ke) is mechanical, andusually acts on the rear

wheels. Many vehicles

have a servo brake, which

considerably increases

the strength of the brake.

The level of brake fluid periodically, in accordance

with manufacturer recommendations. Brake fluid is not

consumed by the vehicle; if it is low it is because there is a

problem or mechanical defect. Also, if the brake fluid is low,

you could cause an accident.

That the length of the brakes is not too long. You shouldbe able to press the pedal only until about half the distance

between the pedal and the floor.

That the pedal position doesnt descend when you are

pressing the brake down. If this happens, there may be a

leak.

That the pedal feels rigid and not elastic. If the pedal gives

when pressed down, there is probably air in the system.

That the brake lights are functional.

That the parking break works correctly. It should maintain

the vehicle stopped on a hill or prevent the vehicle frommoving when placed in the activated position.

That the brakes work evenly across all four wheels. If they

are misaligned, during a heavy break the uneven effect can

make the vehicle drift to one side.

The servo only works when the engine is running. You must be careful when towing or when the engine turns off on a downhill.




Although you can perform some of the recommended checks yourself, some require the assistance of a mechanic.

Check for possible cracks in the hoses that circulate brake fluid, making sure there are no stains on the pavement due

to leaks.

Change all of the brake fluid at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Periodically check the state of brake pads/shoes and disks, and be alert for sounds emitted while braking.

One maneuver you must know is how to make an emergency stop, or come to a complete stop as quickly as possible

safely.

One of the biggest risks of an emergency stop or heavy braking is that the wheels may lock up and slide or skid over the

pavement. When this happens, the braking distance is noticeably increased. Also, in these conditions it is impossible to

control or steer the vehicle, which greatly diminishes the probability of avoiding obstacles.

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is able to detect the instant that the wheels lock, and lightly reduces the pressure on

the brakes, even while the pedal is still pressed down. This allows the wheels to maintain tractive contact with the road

surface and allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. Even if the ABS fails, the brakes will continue to work

You should be aware that if a vehicle has ABS, the braking distance for an emergency stop is longer compared to

the braking distance without ABS.

The tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle

and the roadway. The traction of the tires provides the ne-

cessary safety under any meteorological conditions, even

in difficult situations

Of all the elements of a vehicle, the tires are those that

require the most inspection by the driver.

n below-freezing temperatures it is important to test the brakes at low speeds. If you are on a flooded road or have recently

washed your vehicle, you must eliminate, by braking, the humidity on the brake drums or pads, especially if the vehicle has

been parked.

In order for the tires to correctly perform braking, traction and steering, the treads should have a minimum recommen-

ded depth of 3 mm. When the depth of the treads is very low (less than 1.6 mm), friction is decreased on wet pavement

increasing the risk of losing contact with the roadway because of the wedge of water that forms in front of the tires. Get

in the habit of periodically checking your tires and confirming that the depth detectors on the treads do not indicate a

depth inferior to 1.6 mm.

Recommendations for Avoiding Brake Failure

The Tires




Also check tire pressure regularly. Uneven wear can be caused by alignment or

suspension problems, or due to driving with the inappropriate tire pressure. No-

ticeable wear down the center of the tire means that the tires have been used

with an excess of air pressure, while wear only on the edges of the tire indicates

that they have been used with less pressure than recommended.

Low air pressure in one or both of the back tires can significantly increase the

tendency to drift. With low air pressure in the front tires, steering becomes

more difficult and the vehicle is more difficult to control. Low pressure in one

of the front tires will tend to make the vehicle drift or twist towards that side.

When the air pressure exceeds that recommended by the manufacturer, the ti-

res lose traction.

The best tires should always be placed on the rear of the vehicle, independent

of whether the vehicle is forward- or rear-drive, to assure optimum stability.

Reducing the air pressure in the tires below that indicated by the manufacturer during the winter decreases the life of your tires.

Other recommendations

Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and always respect the recommendations of the manufacturer. If the

pressure is adjusted when the tires are warm or hot, the effective pressure will be lower than recommended. Inadequate

tire pressure contributes to the risk of skidding.

Periodically check the tire treads. They should not have deep cuts or cracks.

Drive at a moderate speed; this lengthens the life of your tires.

Keep in mind that situations like hauling or driving on uneven roads or during hot weather can accelerate the wear and

tear on your tires.

If you see something abnormal about the tires or the behavior of the vehicle (e.g., vibrations) it is recommended to seek

a professionals opinion. There could be a problem with imbalance.


Low air pressure

Correct air pressure

Excessive air pressure



Tires should be changed at least every 5 years. Even if they have little use and their treads are good, the material ages

and tires lose the properties that allow them to roll safely. It is recommended that you go to a professional to assess

changing your tires.

Driving up on the sidewalk or over the curb can cause deformations in the wheels and cuts or ruptures in the tires.

Slightly increase tire pressure when hauling a heavy load.

When you leave your replacement tire in your vehicle, be sure that it is stored with the highest tire pressure recommen-

ded by the manufacturer.

Check that the tires are properly balanced.

Lights

All vehicles must be equipped with headlights and exterior lights in order to see and be seen by others while driving in

the dark or at times of reduced visibility. Lights are also important for warning others about certain situations or ones

intention to make maneuvers.

In general, motor vehicles with 4 or more wheels must possess the following headlights and exterior lights:

Important:If a rear tire ruptures or breaks while you are driving, turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the tail is swerving.

On the other hand, if a front tire ruptures or breaks, you should brake slowly, holding the steering wheel firmly.

Front of the Vehicle: Two headlights that project low and high beams, two par-

king lights and two turn signals

Rear of the Vehicle: Two parking lights, two turn signals, two reverse lights, two

stable red lights, two brake lights, and one light that illuminates the license

plate.

Additionally, the vehicle must have a third brake light at the center of the back

window of automobiles, jeeps, vans, station wagons, pick-up trucks, and school

transport vehicles.

Be sure that the lights are clean, functional and that the forward beams, both

low and high, are correctly adjusted. A misalignment can temporarily blind other

drivers and cause an accident.




Fog Lights

Some vehicles, in addition to the aforementioned obligatory lights, are also equipped with fog lights. These can only be

used when visibility is considerably reduced, either due to fog or torrential rain and should be turned off as soon as visi-

bility improves.

Hazard Lights

Hazard warning flashing lights should only be used when the vehicle is stopped

due to failure or breakdown, in order to warn other drivers that the vehicle is

temporarily obstructing traffic, as well as to warn other drivers behind you that

there is a hazard or obstruction ahead. They should be used only for the amount

of time necessary to warn other drivers of the hazard, and never as an excuse for

illegal or dangerous parking.

Mirrors

Mirrors allow the driver to see traffic behind him and to the left and right of the vehicle. The majority of side mirrors are

convex, which means that images in the mirror are closer than they appear.

Be aware that even when your mirrors are well regulated, there will always be a spot behind you which you cannot see.

These are known as dead angles or blind spots.

You can ensure that your lights dont blind:

Park your vehicle on a flat surface about 10 m (30 feet)

from a wall or similar surface.

Turn on your low beams and verify that the height of the

beams on the wall is lower than the height of the headlamp

with respect to the floor.


10 m



Safe Driving

In order to drive your vehicle safely it will be necessary for you to perform some simple tests and periodically review:

Seatbelts/safety belts Windshield wipers

Ventilation

Windshield wiper fluid

Before driving, check that:

You have good visibility through the front windshield, back window, and side windows. If not, turn on the ventilation

system, adjust the fans and turn on the rear window defrost. You have adjusted the mirrors for optimum visibility behind you and to the sides. You must be able to see the largest

possible proportion of the road and other vehicles.

The doors are closed. If you are transporting children, be sure that they are secured safely in their seats and they cannot

open the doors from inside.

You have reflective objects in case of emergency, a fire extinguisher, a replacement tire and tools necessary to change

tires.

You dont have anything loose in the vehicle that could harm someone in case of a sudden stop.

Your shoes are appropriate for controlling the pedals.

Before starting your vehicle look around and check your blind spots.

Energy and the Laws of Physics

The Energy of Movement

A vehicle approaching a curve tends to continue its movement in a straightline. By moving the steering wheel, you force the vehicle to deviate from the

straight course it would follow due to inertia, but if you are driving too fast,

you may not have sufficient friction to maintain the vehicle on the road.

Mirrors Doors

Horn

Tires Rear window defrost

Lights

Brakes

In the photograph, you can see a skid mark, which indicates that the driver braked until the wheels were locked. As a re-

sult, the vehicle didnt obey the movement of the steering wheel, but rather continued its course straight ahead.




When increasing speed upon turning, the energy of movement increases four fold,which you should be aware

when approaching a curve, for example.

It is always very important that you try to anticipate the state of the road, that you estimate the radius of the curve and

that you are aware of any surprises you might encounter, like fallen leaves, fuel leaks, or anything else that could makethe roadway slippery. Reduce your speed well before a curve and accelerate slowly upon leaving the curve.

Stopping Distance

Stopping distance (S) consists of two parts:

Reaction distance (R)

Braking distance (B)

The length of reaction distance depends on the reaction

time of the driver and the speed of the vehicle. A norma

reaction time is one second. A vehicle traveling at 36 km/h

covers 10 meters in one second, 20 meters if it is traveling

at 72 km/h, etc.

Beginners, due to their lack of experience, tend to doubt

themselves, leading to longer reaction distances.

You can estimate the approximate reaction distance, mul-

tiplying the first digit of your speed by three.

The magnitude of centrifugal force (or the sideways force in a curve that tends to push a vehicle off the roadway (depends

directly upon the speed of the vehicle and the sharpness of the curve..




The length of braking distance depends on the speed, the state of the road, the incline, the state of the brakes and the

tires, and the manner of braking.

The braking distance increases by the square of the increase in speed. That is, if you double the speed, the braking

distance increases four times; if you triple your speed, the braking distance increases by nine times, etc.

As for the manner of braking, there are various ways to brake. A driver, who plans their driving, diminishing the pressure on

the accelerator on time and reducing their speed, saves their brakes and increases their safety.

In unexpected situations it is necessary to know how to brake correctly. It has already been mentioned that locked

wheels impede control of the vehicle. Due to this, when you begin to brake you must press the brake with the most

pressure possible. If the vehicle doesnt have ABS brakes and the wheels lock, you must immediately release the brake

pedal.

The Force of Gravity

If you have ever ridden a bicycle and tried to brake on a steep downhill, it is pro-

bably that you have experienced the invisible forces that can cause difficulties.

This same phenomenon occurs when you drive a motor vehicle. As a result, when

you see signs that warn you to steep grades (downhill) take your time to go

down them. At times it is necessary to drive in a lower gear so that the engine

slows the vehicle and the brakes do not overheat.

Remember that when you take the vehicle out of gear, you lose control of the

vehicle.


Reaction distanceBraking distance, wet asphaltBraking distance, dry asphalt



Vehicle Characteristics and their Influence on Driving

Despite the fact that many vehicles look alike, in reality

they have differences that you must keep in mind when

you drive. Before getting behind the wheel of an unknown

vehicle, ask yourself these questions: Does it have forward

drive, rear drive, or 4-wheel-drive? Does it have safe tires?

A vehicle with a forward engine is normally heavier at the

front, and so has a tendency to spin less. If you place a

heavy load in the rear part of the vehicle, you will tend to

spin more; upon losing tractive contact with the pavement,

you will spin 180 and the rear end of the vehicle will bepointed forward. This is important to know in order to

understand the risks involved with offsetting the center of

gravity.

If you drive a vehicle with the center of gravity placed

in the forward part of the vehicle, it will tend to follow a

straight line when taking a curve; if it loses traction it will

continue along the line of movement.

Try to throw an arrow with the point facing back and you

will see that the arrow turns in the air, with the point facing

forward. This happens because the heavier part has more

kinetic energy and attempts to reach the target more

quickly.

The same thing happens when a vehicle has its center

of gravity in the rear. When you take a curve, the vehicle

turns more than expected, and if you lose traction with the

pavement, it will fishtail and continue on in the direction

of the original movement, but with the rear facing forward

The drive or traction wheels are important to the behavio

of the vehicle.

A vehicle with front-wheel drive starts to slip on the front

wheels if the effect of acceleration is larger than friction

will permit, which can cause the vehicle not to turn whenyou move the steering wheel and instead continue on in the

same line of movement. If this happens, stop accelerating

and continue on your course.

Similarly, if the rear wheels lose friction, various fishtails

can occur. In these circumstances, continue accelerating

and turn the steering wheel towards the direction of the

tail.

Four-wheel-drive allows for considerably better driving on

difficult roads. Also, vehicles with four-wheel-drive behave

the same as the rest.

Another factor that can influence a vehicle to spin more or

less than expected is the air pressure in the tires.




Elements of Passive Safety

The tires, brakes and lights, among others are elements of something known as active safety, since they help prevent

accidents from occurring. There are also other elements, known as passive safety. These dont prevent the occurrenceof an accident, but they do contribute to minimizing their consequences.

Seatbelts

A crash at 50 km/h without a seatbelt (safety belt) is like

jumping off of the fourth floor of a building without a safe-

ty net. At a speed of 70 km/h, the impact is like jumping off

a seventh story. Seatbelts are your life insurance, since

they reduce deaths caused by traffic accidents.

In addition to saving lives and reducing the possibilities

of injuries in an accident, seatbelts provide more comfort,

better control and they contribute to reducing sleepiness.

Those who travel in automobiles must be well secured.

However, never allow two people to travel using the same

seatbelt.

If the vehicle is equipped with seatbelts in the back seat, it is important that those who are seated in the back also use

safety belts, despite it only being obligatory in vehicles manufactured in 2002 or later.

Passengers who are pushed forward from the back seat not only can hurt themselves but also the driver or the person

traveling in the passenger seat.

Seatbelts are only effective when worn correctly; if used incorrectly they can cause serious injury.




Correct Use of a Seatbelt

Shoulder Harness: crosses the body from the top of the shoulder to the hip

The shoulder harness should pass over the clavicle, halfway between the

shoulder and the neck and should descend along the center of the chest.

If it is placed over the neck or over one breast, it can cause serious injuries

in an accident.

If it is placed over the shoulder, it can slip out during the accident and re-

duce the efficacy of the seatbelt to its minimum.

Lap Belt: between the two inferior points of attachment

The lap belt should be placed over the hipbones, always beneath the

abdomen.

If it is placed over the abdomen, it can cause serious injuries in an acci-

dent.

Once buckled

Once your seatbelt is buckled you should pull it lightly upwards so that it

fits snugly across your body.

You should always be sure that it is not caught or twisted and that the

buckle is in good condition.

If the belt fits loosely, you will move a farther distance during the accident,

which could result in you impacting with the steering wheel or the winds-

hield.

If the belts are not pulled tight, the belt will lose efficacyand could causeinjuries during an accident.

Source: DGT/INTRAS.

After being in a traffic accident, the seatbelt can be damaged and its use no longer safe. In this case you must replace it witha new one.




Important Recommendations for the Correct Use of a Seatbelt:

Submarine Effect:

This is one of the risks produced by the incorrect use of the seatbelt or the vehicle seat and occurs when the driver, during

the accident, slides underneath the lap band.

To Avoid the Submarine Effect:

Excuses and Myths about Seatbelts

Drivers who are reluctant to using seatbelts give unrealistic excuses about the efficacy of these devices, including the

following:

Put your seatbelt on correctly; if you place the lap belt incorrectly it is more likely you will slide beneath it.

Be sure that the seatbelt is taught. The submarine effect occurs more easily if the belt is not correctly adjusted

to the body. Due to this, it is also important to avoid driving with bulky clothing (e.g. a coat).

Do not use towels or pillows (neither on the seat nor behind the back), or special cushions. All of these elements

may facilitate the driver sliding, canceling out the seat characteristics designed to avoid the submarine effect

You should always drive with proper posture; do not recline the seat excessively, as you should not drive half

lying down. Always remember that the proper posture behind the wheel facilitates the correct functioning of

the seatbelt.

Im not going to get into an accident, so I dont need to wear a seatbelt

No one expects to get into a traffic accident, but the fact that we havent gotten into an accident before doesnt

mean that it wont happen.

Surviving a traffic accident depends on luck or coincidence, so a seatbelt is not helpful

Studies of thousands of accidents shows that drivers who dont wear a seatbelt have twice the probability of

dying as a cause of the accident.

In case of an accident, its much safer to be thrown from the vehicle

If you get into an accident, and are ejected from the vehicle due to not wearing a seatbelt, the probability of

receiving a spinal injury increases by 1,300%, while the probability of dying increases by 300%, which clearly

shows that it is much safer to stay in the vehicle.




In a lot of accidents, people are trapped in the vehicle by their seatbelt and die because they cant get

out on time

Studies and statistics reveal that in only one in a million accidents, wearing a seatbelt can be negative. Ex-perience shows that in the majority of accidents that are produced daily, the seatbelt can save the life of the

occupants of the vehicle or avoid serious injury.

Seatbelts arent necessary when driving on urban streets, where speeds are low

Close to 50% of accidents with victims occur in an urban area. For example, a frontal impact at only 30 or 40

km/h can easily be fatal if the head of the driver impacts the windshield or steering while, which happens fre-

quently.

If the trip is short, its not necessary to put on a seatbelt

We have already shown that suffering an accident is always possible, so it is important to use a seatbelt on al

trips. Also, the majority of accidents with victims occur within a few kilometers of the home of the driver.

My vehicle already has many safety features, so seatbelts are not that important

No safety feature in a vehicle can take the place of a seatbelt, even those that are designed to work in paralle

with seatbelts. For example, if the airbag activates in case of a head-on collision and youre not wearing a seat-

belt you can suffer serious injuries when the airbag inflates.

Seatbelts are uncomfortable

If you use your seatbelt frequently, the initial discomfort that some drivers experience will diminish. Manypeople over time come to feel uncomfortable and unsafe when they are not wearing a seatbelt.

During pregnancy you shouldnt wear a seatbelt because it

is dangerous for the fetus

Pregnant women are also required to wear seatbelts, since the

risk of injury and losing the fetus during an accident is higher

than if they dont use it (e.g., if she hits her belly against the

steering wheel).

In the back seat it is not necessary to wear a seatbelt

In an accident, the occupants of the back seats who are not wearing seatbelts can be ejected from the vehicle

which can cause a fatal impact with other passengers or the driver; the seatbelt not only can save the lives of

the occupants of the back seat, but also prevents them from causing serious injuries to the other occupants of

the vehicle.

Source: DGT/INTRAS.




In a head-on collision, the probability that an occupant of the back seat fatally wounds another passenger in the front seats

can be 8 times higher.

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your mirrors and adjust your seat and backrest, if necessary when grasping the stee-

ring wheel, your arms should remain lightly flexed and always put on your seatbelt. Be sure that the other occupants

of the vehicle also put theirs on.

Airbag

The airbag is a bag of air that inflates in just a few milliseconds after an impact, protecting the occupants of the vehicle

for the following reasons:

It lightly slows the movement of the occupants, preventing that the forces of deceleration cause injuries, especially

head injuries (e.g. reducing the probability of the occurrence of spinal injuries).

It prevents the occupants of the vehicle from impacting against objects inside the vehicle: the steering wheel, the dash-

board, the windshield, or the windows.

It protects the face and eyes from glass fragments or other objects that could come loose, like the windshield.

The airbag is not efficient if not used in conjunction with the seatbelt. Upon impact, the airbag inflates at a speed of up to

300 km/h, so if the seatbelt does not restrain the driver and the airbag impacts against him before having inflated fully

it can cause serious injuries due to the enormous force of the impact.

The efficacy of the front airbag is based on the combination of the use of the seatbelt, a good hand position on the

driving wheel and the adjustment of the headrest to ear level. It has been estimated that the use of the front airbag in

conjunction with the seatbelt can reduce the probability of suffering fatal injuries by 20%. Airbag function is based on

the principal of cushioning of the kinetic energy from the crash through the absorption produced by a bag filled with

gas. Upon impact with the bag, which should be fully inflated at that moment, the body transmits its energy to the bag

while the bag prevents that the person moves and becomes injured. After contact with the body of the occupant, the bag

deflates automatically.




After an accident, the airbag system should be replaced even if it has not been deployed. The battery should be changed

according to the manufacturers recommendations.

There are different kinds of airbags: side, head and intelligent (which are activated in different kinds of impacts) so it is

recommended that when buying a new vehicle you familiarize yourself with the airbag system and its function.

The effectiveness of the airbag is associated to the use of the seatbelt. This system is only efficient if you are safely securedby your seatbelt.

Source: www.todomecanica.com

Source: www.todomecanica.com

To avoid risks and obtain the maximum benefits of this system, you should always remember:

Never put a child seat in the front seat if there is an airbag on the passenger side.

Never put children under the age of 12 years in the passenger seat; due to their height the activation of the airbag can

cause serious injuries.

If the airbag light is on, the airbag should be checked.




Headrest

The headrest is used to prevent spinal injuries when your vehicle is impacted from behind. Its position should be adjusted

to each driver behind his or her head. Unfortunately headrests are often placed in their lowest position, which drastically

reduces their effectiveness, and can even make them counterproductive. You should adjust all of the headrests of the

vehicle you are going to use, for both front and back seats.

When a vehicle is impacted from behind it is subjected to a forward acceleration, which causes the seat to push the body

of its occupant forward as well. If the head is not supported, it oscillates relative to the torso, which causes a violent

change in direction on the neck, which forms an S shape initially and then moves backward. This movement is known as

whiplash.

The headrests should be adjusted in such a way as to maximize their contribution to the safety of every person in case

of rear impact.

Neck sprains are often produced as a result of whiplash; these are much more dangerous and frequent than we think. A

neck sprain can affect different structures in the neck, like muscles, joints or ligaments, and causes muscular aches and

headaches, diminished neck mobility, vertigo or dizziness, which can often last for months.

Sometimes injuries caused by whiplash can be much more serious. For example, if the cervical vertebrae are damaged,

the driver can suffer permanent disability (e.g., quadriplegia).

Height of headrest:

The top of the headrest should be situated between

the top of the head and the eye line.

Distance from the head:

The distance between the head and the headrest should

be as short as possible and never more than 4 cm.

Source: DGT/INTRAS



33/165

3. INDIVIDUALS IN TRAFFICNEW DRIVERS HANDBOOK



NEW DRIVERS HANDBOOKINDIVIDUALS IN TRAFFIC

INDIVIDUALSIN TRAFFIC

Driving a Vehicle is Highly Demanding

Why do accidents happen? It is known that human abilities have limits. However, it is easy to forget when someone gets

behind the wheel or rides a motorcycle. That is why it is important for you, as you become a new driver, to be conscious

of how people act. The information in this chapter can be essential to your life and the lives of others.

Did you know?

International statistics show that novice drivers are involved in minor traffic accidents (in which no other cars are involved

10 times more often than experienced drivers.

Statistics also show that the majority of people are involved at some point in their lives in a traffic accident with personal

injuries.

Imagine that a driver is on a highway and wishes to pass another vehicle. Can he do it? To answer this question, the driver

must judge the length of the passing distance and whether the available space is sufficient. Visual perceptions must give

rise to safe decisions.

Traffic requires that one can trust in other users on the road. It also requires us to recognize that we can be responsible

for the injuries or deaths of other people, and that we ourselves could also be victims of the errors or irresponsibility of

others.

To help drivers get along in traffic, there are rules. Driving a vehicle is like being in a state of constant problem-solving. In

effect, you are the one who must observe and calculate what must be done, and you must be the one to put your plans

into action. These plans must be in accordance with those of the other drivers on the road. However, the rules cannotalways offer clarity in terms of how to resolve certain situations. Common sense, good judgment and responsibility on the

part of drivers often play a decisive role in the resolution of such situations.

The responsibility with which you take on your role as a driver helps contribute to traffic culture. If there are a lot of

irresponsible people on the road, it will no doubt result in more violent and aggressive traffic, which is more dangerous.



Are People Prepared to Confront the Demands of Traffic?

Join the following driver through a few kilometers:

Its getting dark, its cloudy and visibility is reduced. The highwayseems to disappear at the end of each slope (position 1). The driveris traveling at 90 km/h and observing the roadway ahead. He isexpecting there to be a curve to the left. He decides to change theradio station.

Soon he gets a surprise: the road curves to the right, forcing himto maneuver quickly, while at the same time letting up on theaccelerator. Luckily, the pavement is dry and has good traction.

After the curve to the right, there is a curve to the left, and shortly

after, in position 2, he approaches something that looks like amotorcycle but turns out to be an automobile whose left headlightis out.

Soon our motorist is forced to slow down because he is going topass a cyclist and the road is too narrow to accommodate threevehicles; the risk is very high.

After a few hundred meters, in position 3, our driver comes upon avehicle whose low beams are very bright perhaps poorly adjusted and suddenly sees a pedestrian walking a few meters in front ofhis vehicle. This pedestrian is not wearing anything reflective, buthe is walking on the side of the road, so an accident can be avoided.

The driver starts to get an unsettling feeling. He thinks about whathas happened in the last kilometer, and at the same time, at 90km/h, enters an area with forest and bushes on both sides of theroad.

In position 4 and somewhat distracted, he comes upon two animalsthat are crossing from left to right, about 100 meters ahead ofhis vehicle. The driver brakes lightly and continues on at a lowerspeed, since he will soon turn right.

He rapidly reaches the intersection and upon turning right, inposition 5, crosses the center line that marks the division betweenlanes. However, no accident occurs because no vehicles werecoming in the other direction.

Along these kilometers, important aspects of traffic and driver behavior have arisen. Below, we will examine the situa-

tions that arose and conjecture as to what could have happened.




In position 1, the driver misinterpreted the terrain; he was

expecting a curve to the left, but the curve was to the right.

Then, he mistook a car with one headlight for a motorcycle.

These misinterpretations of the surroundings, which are fairlycommon, can be very dangerous. They arise when the indica-

tors for distance and shape are insufficient or unclear.

Other examples of misinterpretations are: when driving

through mountainous or winding roads, one has the sensation

of going downhill when in fact traveling uphill; or when dirty

or weak headlights from another vehicle make it appear far-

ther away than it is.

A sort of stereoscopic image appears when the brain has

made an interpretation, but the ability to perceive distances

only works for short distances. At distances longer than 50 m

the indicators and clues in the environment become more and

more important for judging distances.

Why is it important to know this?

Because you will almost always partially lack certain indica-

tors, they will appear confusing, or they may not even exist,

for example when there is fog, when it is dark or when you

are temporarily blinded by light. These factors can result in

dangerous misinterpretations of your surroundings. Therefore,

a good rule is not to be too confident in your own perceptions

and not to drive when you are tired.


In A, you can see linear perspective; thatis, the converging lines seem to be at alonger distance from the eye in the na-rrowest point.

B illustrates so-called relative size,which means that even if objects are thesame, they can appear to be differentsizes; one believes that the object thatlooks smaller is farthest away.

C is called a density pattern; that is, thedenser the objects appear, the fartheraway they seem to be.

In diagram D we see overlapping; this iswhen an object that covers another ob-

ject appears closer to the eye.



Lack of Concentration

Let us return to the case of the driver presented previously. One of the causes that surely contributed to his surprise at

the curve to the right was the fact that he became distracted by changing the radio station.

Doing two things at the same time can be very risky, especially when it comes to novice drivers. Firstly, this is because an

inexperienced driver can lose control of the vehicle more easily and secondly because novice drivers have a harder time

facing difficult situations.

In addition to keeping both hands on the wheel, it is important to concentrate on traffic. Therefore, you shouldnt drive if

you find yourself annoyed or upset by something that has happened, and avoid fighting or arguing while driving. Emotio-

nal problems that distract your thoughts, busying yourself with the radio, looking at your phone, smoking or eating while

driving have a negative impact on traffic safety.

Becoming distracted and diverting your attention away from what youre doing through thoughts or other aforementio-

ned examples is something that happens frequently. Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents. If you are dis-

tracted you will have less time to react to an unexpected situation, since you will need more time to take in information

Driving requires your complete attention!

Ability to React

The driver reacted quickly when he was close to going off the road in the first curve; he demonstrated a good ability to

react. Moving the steering wheel and reducing speed were key in reacting to the situation.

A drivers reaction time is important when confronting a difficult situation. However, you must be aware that in a com-

parison between a person with low reaction time and one who drives at a low speed, for example when it comes to who

stops first, the person traveling at a lower speed will win. People often think that young drivers react more quickly to al

situations than older drivers. This is false. That reaction time for younger drivers tends to be lower refers only to simple

reaction; that is, the reaction to a stimulus that she knows will present itself. However these kinds of situations do not

occur frequently in traffic.

In real-life situations that require complex reactions, where you have to rapidly interpret many stimuli, expert drivers

have much faster reactions. The fastest age group is people between 35 and 50 years. Beyond that, as age increases,

reaction time also increases.




Visual Ability

The driver in our example was surprised to see a cyclist a few meters ahead of his vehicle. This leads us to consider visua

abilities such as seeing in the dark and detecting important objects in the road.

Human beings do not have the sharp vision of a hawk, nor the cat-like ability to see in the dark.

When driving in the dark, blinding effects can present

themselves; even when you avoid looking into the lights of

an oncoming vehicle it is possible for rays of light to be

reflected in the eye, temporarily worsening vision. Figure

A shows how this blinding effect manifests itself in these

cases.

You know that adapting to light changes takes some time. When you go into a dark room from the bright daylight at first

you cant see well; sometimes you cant see anything for a few moments.

Real temporary blindness that occurs from looking directly at the lights of an oncoming vehicle has a much longer and

prolonged effect and can create serious risks for an accident.

Other types of blindness can occur, for example when you drive out of a tunnel into sunlight, or when the sun shines di-

rectly in your eyes around sunset.

The driver saw the pedestrian a few meters away. This might be due to the fact that the lights of the oncoming car were

poorly adjusted. The truth is that visibility distance at a vehicle crossing when the vehicles are using low beams does not

exceed 15 to 20 meters; when there is no oncoming traffic, it is possible to see the markings in the road up to 70 meters

After a blinding effect occurs, visibility distance is 0 meters.

From the above information we can deduce that detecting people or animals in the roadway can be very difficult in cer-

tain circumstances. Therefore, you should always expect to see them and be prepared.

It is important to know that a dark coat reflects only 5% of light; white clothing reflects 80%, and reflective materials between 90 and 9




Selective Perception

Up to this point we have seen the limitations of the eye to see in the darkness, given that the driver took time to notice

the pedestrian walking ahead of him. But there are other causes that limit vision. In effect, we cannot always see the

most important things in time. Put another way, what we are not expecting to see we will not notice or will take longer

to detect.

Most likely, the driver had no idea that animals could appear on the highway, which is why he was not prepared for it

Being in a hurry was also an important factor, because people in a hurry try to dispense with everything that gets in thei

way.

The perceived necessity of arriving early to your destination has the effect of eliminating everything that doesnt matter

from your consciousness. When this happens, a repression mechanism tends to dominate. Being conscious of everything

and considering the appearance of risks should lead to reduced speed, but that goes against the goals of a driver who isin a hurry.

The above can be summarized as follows:

Drivers are often exposed to a large number of sensory stimuli. It is impossible to process all of these stimuli while driving,

so certain stimuli and inputs are selected as more important. Neither the selection nor the interpretation of stimuli depends

on chance, but rather they are influenced by the expectations, needs and state of vigilance of the driver.

The above is applicable to all people and is commonly called selective perception. However, there are differences between

people in terms of how much they take in and interpret in a situation. What one person has seen may not have been percei-

ved by another, and the interpretation of a fact may differ greatly from person to person.

After going through the perceptive process, which is very rapid, a decision is made to take action. This action, in combination

with other drivers and people on the road, leads to a result, which provides us with experience and new knowledge.

Due to selective perception, we run the risk of ignoring important traffic circumstances.





Location

Remind yourself that the driver failed frequently in the identification of important objects. In part, that was due to the

limitations of the eye to see in the dark, as well as the phenomenon of selective perception. But there is also another

important factor: the way the driver observes while driving.

Where, in what order, and for how long, does the driver look? These three factors depend on the ability of each person and

vary with experience.

To better understand, you must know how the eye works:

The pupil regulates the entrance of light by varying its size; it increases in darkness

The lens refracts light towards the retina (in a normal eye)

The lens refraction capacity can be modified by muscles

and fibers that contract and relax.

The retina covers a large part of the back of the eye and

contains cells that transform rays of light into electrical sig-

nals, which are transmitted through the optic nerve to the

brain, where images are perceived.

The blind spot is found at the point where the optic ner-

ve enters the eye. The blind spot does not have visual cells

which is why an objected reflected in it cannot be perceived

Close your left eye and lookdirectly at the circle with

your right eye. Maintainthe book 30 cm away from

your eye. You will see theX in your peripheral visionSlowly move the bookcloser to your face. At acertain distance, the X wildisappear. This is becauseit has become reflected inthe blind spot.



The macula or macula lutea is the only place in the retina that can see clearly (direct vision). An important fact to highlight

is that of everything we perceive, only 1 to 2% is seen with clarity.

In the external parts of the peripheral vision, the sharpness or visual clarity is less than 0,1%, even in people with norma

vision. If you want to illustrate this with the help of the previous drawing, the circle corresponds to the zone in which thereis the most visual acuity. With this in mind, it is easier to understand the importance of targeting your gaze in traffic.

The most important thing is the relationship between direct vision and peripheral vision. Things are detected in periphera

vision and recognized with direct vision. For example, if you discover something at a right angle from your head and then

move your head, the eyes will recognize it.

Although peripheral vision is not acute, it is fundamental to

sight. Normally we have a field of vision a little larger than

180. A significant reduction in peripheral vision can cause

serious problems in orientation.

Experienced drivers take advantage of their peripheral vi-

sion more than novice drivers, in addition to a more sys-

tematic location technique. In contrast, novice drivers al-

most always see what is near the vehicle and concentrate

their gaze on fixed objects.

Any kind of reduction in vision can significantly influence the capacity of the driver. A satisfactory field of vision and sight

that permits a driver to clearly perceive objects at differing distances during day and night are essential to resolving com-

plicated traffic situations.

Pay attention and take measures to prevent any kind of alteration to your vision.




Processing Limited Information

Let us return one last time to the case of the driver: in the intersection, he crossed the center line. It is probable that was

due to an underestimation of the speed at which he was traveling.

Among other causes, this underestimation occurs as a result of becoming accustomed to a certain speed and no longe

processing the sensory stimuli to realize the speed at which you are traveling. Modern automobiles run fairly quietly and

smoothly, which does not alert the driver to the speed at which she is traveling. Similarly, repetitive driving on a straight

highway in good conditions does not present variations in visual stimuli.

Underestimating speed can be very dangerous, most of all because you can misjudge the braking distance.

The limitations of the brains capacity to process information are not only reflected in misinterpretations of speed, but

also in terms of judging distance between vehicles and processing stimuli.

A good example of this is tunnel vision, in which the visual field

shrinks as speed increases. The higher the speed, the further

away your gaze is fixed, leading to a decreased field of vision in

which the sides of the road are not visible.

Tunnel vision also presents itself when the driver is in a stressed

state.

Studies show that it is very difficult to calculate the speed of oncoming vehicles and that judging the place where an

encounter between two vehicles will take place is an estimation of the midpoint between yourself and the approaching

vehicle; that is, the brain assumes that both vehicles are traveling at exactly the same speed, which rarely happens inreality.

If you are traveling at 90 km/h and will meet an oncoming vehicle traveling at 100 km/h, the real point of encounter (RP

will be closer than estimated (EP). The magnitude of error, or the difference between RP and EP, will rise the greater the

difference in speed is between you and the oncoming vehicle.




If the brain were capable of doing these kinds of

calculations, many traffic accidents would not

occur.

Estimated point of encounter (EP)

Real point of encounter (RP)

Safe Driving Requires Emotional Balance

Maturity

Why must you be 18 (or 17 in some cases) to obtain a drivers license? The obvious answer to this question is that society

expects that at that age the individual has reached the level of maturity required to be a safe and responsible driver

Unfortunately, the reality is different. We know that young drivers are more frequently involved in traffic accidents than

older, more experienced drivers. How can this be explained?

Youth tend to have characteristics related to their place in the life cycle, which causes them to be more vulnerable to

traffic accidents. Among these characteristics we can highlight the following:

An excessive need for self-affirmation,which makes them more competitive and willing to break the rules of the roa

An overrated sense of driving ability,which leads them to reject certain safety measures like wearing a seatbelt

or a helmet.

Peer-pressure behavior,which leads them to attempt risky maneuvers when with friends.

An increased assumption of risk while driving,which is related to competition with other vehicles.

Influenced by advertising,especially those that incite risk.

Young people are prone to taking on risks while driving, due to a low perception of susceptibility to risk.




There are 5 factors that affect the evaluation and acceptance of risk, and that could explain the behavior of young people

who have a higher tendency to be involved in traffic accidents.

Attitude towards traffic.As they do not perceive driving as something that could be dangerous, it is unlikely that the

will adopt prudent driving behaviors.

Responsibility for behavior.Many believe that they drive better than others, and assign blame to other people.

Driving experience.Many do not have much experience driving, which makes it difficult for them to perceive risks

correctly.

Level of control.They trust their own abilities to control the vehicle in dangerous situations, so they assume more risk

Low perception of risks.Many dont see risky situations as dangerous (e.g., driving after drinking alcohol), which mak

their behavior riskier.

Young people who have recently obtained a license interpret and misunderstand traffic situations due to their limited experience asdrivers.

Young drivers overestimate their capability or their ability to drive more than adults.

Many young drivers show deficiencies in personal maturity.

Being a good driver requires a lot of knowledge and skills; you must be able to perceive multiple stimuli in a short period

of time; the brain must be able to interpret these stimuli and quickly make a decision; you must put yourself in other

peoples shoes, be able to act correctly and with determination, and something very important:you must have foresight

In reality, one can barely comprehend the quantity of processes that the brain must perform, and it is assumed that

everything will work automatically when complicated situations arise while driving. However, with something as small as

an increase in speed, the limits of human capacity are exceeded and in the blink of an eye a driver can make a mistake.

Young drivers do not always know where this limit is, which leads them to make more errors than expert drivers. In addi-

tion, young drivers have a harder time correcting their mistakes while driving.

Without a doubt, a skillful athlete has undergone thousands of hours of training. This allows us to conclude that you wil

need tens of thousands of kilometers behind the wheel to be considered a driver with relative experience.




Adapting to Reality

Adapting to reality, that is, being able to distinguish the appropriate action for each context, indicates a persons maturity

Many drivers demonstrate insufficient personal maturity. How should we judge a driver who on the highway or even in

the city, tries to imitate a famous racecar driver, rapidly passing and exposing himself to risks? The only thing that driver is

displaying are deficiencies in the development of his personality. Perhaps, he thinks that racecar drivers deserve admira-

tion and tries to imitate them, to represent a role for which he is unprepared, and what is more, he does it in a completely

inappropriate place public roadways instead of a racetrack.

Identity

Having an identity implies having a clear idea about who you are, what principles and values you have, what you want,

what you know and what your limitations are. To achieve this, one must experiment, test and know ones limits. During

the period before establishing an identity, in which one searches for ones limits, it is possible to make mistakes, which at

times can be fatal. In the case of a young driver, this can unfortunately mean testing the maximum speed of the vehicle

trying to pass on a closed curve at 80 km/h or trying to break the record of another driver for a certain route.

Knowing Yourself

In order for your knowledge of yourself to be adequate, it must be true. That is, young people must know what their abili-

ties and limits are and be able to accept that they have shortcomings, which at any given moment could cause a mistake

However, surveys in other countries have given us information about how recently licensed youths judge their own dri-

ving abilities. Analyzing the results, we can conclude that in general women consider themselves as mediocre or subpar

To the contrary, survey results allow us to verify that men tend to overestimate their skills.

For all young men, the common denominator is that they believe they are more skilled than the average person. How-ever, the large number of accidents in which they are involved does not coincide with the opinion they have of their own

driving abilities.




Self-Control

Knowing how to control yourself in situations that affect your vulnerability is also evidence of personal maturity. When

children get angry, their anger is uncontrolled. They shout, kick or hit objects or people. If drivers show that kind of un-

controlled aggression, the consequences could be catastrophic. Instead, you must control any eventual irritation or anger

that can arise when another driver on the road acts inappropriately or you perceive their behavior as inappropriate.

Aggression leads to bad behavior. In the first place, because it leads to misperception and misjudgment of the situation, and

second because it causes people to make impulsive decisions. Also, when a person displays aggressive behavior, he is only

generating new conflicts.

It is preferable that you, as a driver, consider that the poor behavior of other drivers or pedestrians is a product of ignorance

and is not intentional.

Another quality that a good driver must possess is the capacity to maintain attention and concentration for long periods

of time. Daydreaming is an example of a negative behavior, which diminishes attention.

Responsibility

Maturity is directly related to a responsible attitude. A mature person cannot be an irresponsible person. We live in a

society with many rights but also many obligations. In order for society to work adequately, people must display res-

ponsibility and respect towards others. How would traffic be if everyone drove according to their own rules and with no

consideration towards others?

The evolution of traffic accidents will depend to a large extent on you as a driver showing consideration towards others

following traffic regulations, and assuming the consequences of your actions.




The Development of Morals

During infancy, everyone displays egocentrism, but little by little those feelings begin to diminish and gradually we un-

derstand that in order for society to live in harmony there need to be rules.

Over time, we can reach an even greater level, a level that is represented by service and understanding towards others

and by generosity and tolerance. One begins to realize the limitations of others and begins to feel a sense of humility.

This attitude leads to us trying to help others as drivers, to a feeling of community with the rest of the people on the

road, including cyclists and pedestrians. Be nice. Its not enough to just know the rules; what matters is the spirit of them

Unfortunately, however, self-centered behavior is still alive and well in some people, or they regress too easily to a pre-

vious stage of development. Like the time we were playing in the sand and without thinking twice we stole our friends

bucket and shovel.

The deficiencies of personal maturity leave their mark on traffic accident statistics, not only in terms of quantity, but

also in terms of severity. Vehicles these days have great potential, which many people feel tempted to take to the limit.

A driver who wishes to show his power or superiority feels as though his vehicle is an instrument with which he can

strengthen his personality, be more daring and be more independent. Although drivers may not consciously think this

way, it can occur subconsciously and under these conditions it wont take long until a driver finds themself in a critical

situation that in the worst case will exceed the limits within which he or she can adequately act.

Peer Pressure and Inner Strength

Sometimes, when you find yourself in the company of others, you react in a way you may not be accustomed to. You do

things that you perhaps would not do if you were alone. Somehow, the presence and opinions of other people are very

significant. Being a driver when in the car with friends can require much higher demands than when driving alone.

As a driver you should be aware of your own reactions. Does the presence of your friends affect the way you drive? Do you

want to impress them? Do you feel insecure or afraid of making a mistake that will provoke criticism and jokes?

The influence of a group can be highly negative and contribute to the driver doing unexpected things. People talk about

peer pressure, to refer to the process of social influence that a group has on people, which leads them to act according

to the desires of the group. This is not always negative. Peer pressure can also have a positive effect if the values and

principles of safety and responsibility towards others take precedence.




Some people are more vulnerable than others to peer pressure. These people in generally feel very insecure about them-

selves and are afraid of looking stupid, so they choose to follow the patterns of the group. Other people, on the other

hand, can resist peer pressure more easily; they are more autonomous and have the strength to defend their opinions

If your passengers or people in your group have ingested alcohol, it is probable that more than one person will express

their ideas in a rowdy, aggressive or primitive way. Will you be able to turn down the demands of the group to drive fasteraccelerate rapidly and perform risky maneuvers? Or will you be unable to take them calling you a chicken if you refuse

to take more passengers than your vehicle can hold, or laughing at your conservative driving?The recommendation for

a group like this should be: reflect and change your style! Or, in the worst case scenario, you may need different

advice: Change groups!

In many cases of traffic accidents, it is appropriate to ask yourself: to what extent was the group responsible for the ac-

cident occurring? Despite the aforementioned, the majority of young people display responsible attitudes and positively

influence each other, and if they learn and practice the basic rules of road safety that are contained in this book, ove

time they will become autonomous and

new drivers handbook

Documents